Buffalo Bills Expressing Draft Interest in Friend of Damar Hamlin

The Buffalo Bills may double dip at the receiver position in (or after) April's NFL Draft. Could they target Rutgers product JaQuae Jackson?

By Anthony Licciardi

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3).
Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3). / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The talk of the offseason in Western New York has revolved around the Buffalo Bills revamping their receiving corps through the NFL Draft.

Trading away Stefon Diggs and watching Gabe Davis depart to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency has forced Buffalo’s hand at receiver. Free-agent signings Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins will help to raise the floor of the receiver room, but other improvements must be made.

Now, Buffalo is primed to take one of the class’ top receivers with the No. 28 pick. An early-round receiver in some form is on the way, but what if the Bills choose to double dip at receiver?

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (9)
Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (9) / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

If general manager Brandon Beane addresses the unit’s depth, he may do so on Day 3 or in the early stages of undrafted free agency.

One potential target flying under the radar is Rutgers receiver JaQuae Jackson. He dominated the ranks of Division II before transferring to Piscataway, where he posted 361 yards and a touchdown before turning attention to the NFL.

In talking to The Draft Network, Jackson elaborated on the interest he received, including from Buffalo.

“It’s been crazy. It almost feels like the recruiting process all over again,” Jackson said. “I feel like I’m in the transfer portal again. I’ve spoken with about 15, maybe 16 teams.

“I have a few visits lined up. I participated in local days with the Giants and Jets. I’m going up to Philadelphia on the 17th for a local day thing with them. The Bills took me to dinner before my Pro Day. That went very well. Damar Hamlin is a friend of mine. I grew up with Dane Jackson as well, who used to play for them. I’m trying to keep that Pittsburgh to Buffalo pipeline going.”

Jackson boasts above-average athleticism, running a sub-4.50 40-yard dash and a 6.85-second three-cone. At 6-foot-1 and under 185 pounds, he projects more as a versatile field stretcher than a consistent threat over the middle of the field, but his journey inspires optimism in his development.

From showcasing fluidity and separation skills against Ohio State to turning on the jets against Temple, Jackson flashed in his final collegiate season.

A lack of elite measurables, a long Division I track record, and a heavily anticipated pre-draft circuit may dampen his stock, but that’s nothing new for Jackson.

“I’m a very competitive guy. I can handle whatever you put on my plate. I’m a little guy from a D-II program, California PA,” Jackson said. “I’ve worked my way up to put myself in this position. I’m humble. I want to be the best. I’m willing to put the work in. I’ve put in endless hours of work. I love the game. I’m going to absorb knowledge to be the best I can be.

“I’ve beaten adversity my entire life. I’ve never taken no for an answer. Every team should want a guy like that.”